Review on ecological and pharmacological aspects of Chlorophytum borivilianum Sant. and Fern.

Abstract

Chlorophytum borivilianum; Sant. and Fern. is one of the important medicinal herb belonging to family Liliacae. Traditionally known as ‘Safed Musali’ in the Indian drug market.  An efficacy of its tuberous roots has been assessed for the treatment of few sexual disorders in males. Also, phytochemical evaluation revealed the richness of alkaloids, saponins, carbohydrates, steroids, vitamins, proteins etc. Apart from the aphrodisiac properties mostly confined to the roots; the efficacy of this important medicinal herb needs to be investigated for other attributes especially on human model. In India as well as across the world; from the pharmacological point of view; this plant serves as valuable medicinal  herb with a great potential to cure many diseases. However; this plant has been categorized as critically endangered plant according to IUCN red data list. Due to overexploitation, authentic identification and standardization as well as lack of ecological and conservation perspective; the species number of genus Chlorophytum is found to be decreasing consistently. Also, documentation of such ethnobotanicals and knowledge of traditional medicines can be significant contribution towards sustainable utilization of indigenous therapeutic plants.